Transfert s01e01, Quiz 16: mince

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What does “mince” mean?

“Mince” in French primarily means “thin” or “slim” when referring to physical attributes. In this context, however, it is used differently.

As an interjection, “mince” in French is an exclamation often used to express mild annoyance, disappointment, or surprise. It’s roughly equivalent to saying “darn,” “shoot,” or “oops” in English.

Usage and Context:

• Mild Frustration or Surprise:
  • Used in reaction to minor setbacks, mistakes, or surprising situations.
  • Example: “Mince, j’ai oublié mes clés !” (Darn, I forgot my keys!)
• Family-Friendly Expression:
  • Considered a polite and mild expletive, suitable for all audiences.

Cultural Notes:

• “Mince” is a common, everyday expression in French, often used in casual conversation. It’s a gentler alternative to stronger swear words, reflecting its wide acceptability in various social settings.

In Summary:

As an interjection, “mince” is a mild exclamation in French used to express slight annoyance, disappointment, or surprise, similar to saying “darn” or “oops” in English. It’s a polite and commonly used expression suitable for all ages and contexts.

What does “ou voilà” mean?

In the phrase “peut-être qu’ils ne m’ont pas entendu ou voilà,” the term “ou voilà” translates to “or that’s it” or “or there you go” in English. It’s used as a way to conclude a statement or offer an alternative explanation without going into detail.

Usage and Context:

• Indicating a Possible Alternative:
  • Suggests another reason or possibility in a non-specific, somewhat dismissive way.
  • “Peut-être qu’ils ne m’ont pas entendu ou voilà” implies “Maybe they didn’t hear me, or that’s just how it is/there you go.”
• Ending a Statement:
  • “Ou voilà” can be used to finish a thought when the speaker doesn’t wish to elaborate further or feels no further explanation is necessary.

Cultural Notes:

• In French conversation, using phrases like “ou voilà” is common when offering explanations or reasons, especially when the speaker wants to indicate there might be other factors or possibilities without specifying them. It reflects a conversational style that leaves room for interpretation or acceptance of various outcomes.

What does “puis donc je les recroise à plusieurs reprises” mean?

The French phrase “puis donc je les recroise à plusieurs reprises” translates to “then I run into them several times again” in English. It describes encountering the same people multiple times after an initial meeting.

Breakdown of the Phrase:

• “Puis”: Translates to “then,” indicating a sequence of events.
• “Donc”: A conjunction meaning “so” or “therefore,” often used to connect ideas logically.
• “Je les recroise”: “I run into them again” or “I cross paths with them again.” The verb “recroiser” means to meet or encounter someone again.
• “À plusieurs reprises”: Means “several times” or “repeatedly,” indicating that these encounters happened multiple times.

In Summary:

“Puis donc je les recroise à plusieurs reprises” means “then I run into them several times again,” and is used to describe encountering the same people multiple times, usually by chance. It’s a phrase that captures the essence of repeated, possibly serendipitous meetings.

What does “signes de la main” mean?

“Signes de la main” translates from French to “hand signals” or “hand gestures” in English. It refers to movements or gestures made with the hands to communicate something.

Usage and Context:

• General Communication:
  • Can include a variety of hand gestures used in everyday communication, such as waving, pointing, or using gestures to emphasize speech.
  • Example: “Il a fait des signes de la main pour attirer leur attention.” (He made hand gestures to get their attention.)
• Specific Types of Gestures:
  • The phrase encompasses all sorts of hand gestures, from casual and friendly (like waving) to more specific ones (like the peace sign), but not necessarily limited to any particular type like rude gestures.
  • The context in which “signes de la main” is used will determine the specific type of hand gesture being referred to.

In Summary:

“Signes de la main” means “hand signals” or “hand gestures” and includes a wide range of hand movements used for communication. The exact nature of the gestures — whether friendly, formal, or otherwise — depends on the context in which they are used. The phrase broadly covers all types of hand-based non-verbal communication.